Weekly Blog #1

It’s been almost 3 years since I published Paragon via LuluPress and I’d like to share my thoughts on where we started, where we are, and where I’d like to go. First off, I can’t even begin to thank all the people responsible for helping me get this off the ground. I’m not going to pretend I’m a writing prodigy or that we’re at Rowling levels of popularity, but nonetheless the fans this story has have been loyal and truly amazing and I am grateful for each and everyone of you.

Both to those I’ve somehow reached solely through the internet and those I met at the 2016 Phoenix Comic-Con. I met so many awesome people and it was the thrill of a lifetime to be able to share my story with you all. Special thanks especially go out to my family who helped, encouraged, and most importantly put up with me.

I’ve been writing for years, well over a decade in fact. I’ve been published several times with sermons, speeches, and even professional blog content. But telling a story, hearing readers share their thoughts and excitement about a world I created, takes the cake by far.

I know that people have been waiting for a sequel. I know I ended Paragon on some pretty intense notes, with a lot of questions waiting to be answered. Please know that I have not forgotten you, I have not left you behind. Life is hectic and chaotic and a LOT has happened in my life over the past two and a half years. I won’t lie, the pressure got to me somewhat. Knowing people were expecting a lot came down on my head like a ton of bricks and I was so petrified of letting you all down that I let it get in the way of my own first rule of writing: WRITE. The first draft is always just about getting the idea on paper and out of your head, no matter how stupid or weird it is. Coal starts out lumpy, dirty, and jagged at first but with enough pressure and care it becomes a diamond.

So here we are, I’m getting myself back into the saddle and making no excuses. I have the time to write and I’m going to use it. I’m seeking representation for the first book while working on the second as much as possible without burning myself out. Below you’ll see a weekly calendar I’ve made for both myself and you, my readers, so that we’re all on the same page as to what I’m doing.

I’d love to say I have hopes to be picked up for representation soon, but truth be told

literary agents and publishers don’t seem too interested in the Super-Hero genre. I find that weird only because of the amount of success they seem to have on Amazon. Nevertheless, I’m looking and sending out manuscripts anyways.

Speaking of Amazon, as of now Paragon has been removed from LuluPress. While I’m grateful for their services, it just wasn’t the right fit. A lot of spam has cluttered my emails offering me extremely expensive marketing services, and the outreach just hasn’t been where I wish it could be. This week I’ll be working on getting it formatted and published to Kindle Direct where I am hoping to have more success with this endeavor. During that time, Paragon will go up for $0.99 and will remain at that price for the eBook.

Looking towards the future, there’s quite a bit I’d like to get accomplished. Obviously one goal is to finish Archon and get to work on book 3 (oh yes, it’s a trilogy). Also on this list:

Hire a professional illustrator to create cover art that will draw-in and blow minds.

For now, those are the goals. I’ve given some thought to using Patreon and/or Kickstarter as we go forward, for those who wish to support the novel more. We’ll see where things lead.

I don’t care if I never get a movie deal (though that would be awesome) and I don’t care if I never get to speak at a panel at a con (though that would be REALLY awesome). I do care that I give this everything I’ve got. If nothing else, I’ll finish my story, get a small collection of short-stories made, and be able to say I tried every avenue I could to earn the title of “Writer.”